Festive Sugar Holiday Cookies Recipe

There’s something magical about baking cookies during the holiday season. This festive sugar cookie recipe is perfect for spreading joy and cheer. Imagine the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your home, making everyone feel warm and fuzzy inside. Whether you’re decorating for a holiday party or simply enjoying a sweet treat with your family, these cookies make every moment special.

The best part? These sugar cookies are incredibly versatile. You can use various cookie cutters to create fun shapes, and they’re perfect for decorating with colorful icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter. Gather your loved ones for a fun baking session and let your creativity shine. Trust me, these cookies will become a cherished holiday tradition.

Creating a Festive Atmosphere

The holiday season brings a unique warmth, and nothing captures this spirit quite like a display of freshly baked cookies. Imagine a rustic wooden platter adorned with beautifully decorated sugar cookies, surrounded by twinkling fairy lights and fragrant pine branches. This charming setup invites family and friends to gather around and indulge in the sweet delights.

Every detail contributes to the overall experience, from the glow of the lights to the texture of the wooden platter. The ambiance created by these elements enhances the joy of sharing treats, making any gathering feel even more special during the holidays.

Pleasing to the Palate

Soft and buttery, these holiday sugar cookies are designed to melt in your mouth with every bite. Their delightful vanilla flavor pairs perfectly with a crisp edge, creating a satisfying texture that plays on the senses. The simplicity of the cookie allows for creativity in decoration, transforming each piece into a festive work of art.

Whether enjoyed plain or lavishly adorned with colorful icing and sprinkles, these cookies serve as a perfect reminder of the joys of the season. They are not just treats; they are edible memories waiting to be made.

Endless Decorating Possibilities

The versatility of sugar cookies makes them an ideal canvas for creative expression. With an array of cookie cutters, you can shape them into stars, Christmas trees, or any festive symbol that resonates with the holiday spirit. Once baked and cooled, the decorating process can be a delightful activity for both kids and adults alike.

Utilize vibrant royal icing or fondant, and let your imagination run wild by adding colorful sprinkles or edible glitter. Each cookie can tell a story through its unique decor, making your cookie platter a celebration of creativity and festivity.

Gathering for a Baking Session

One of the most cherished aspects of baking during the holidays is the opportunity to gather loved ones in the kitchen. Set aside some time for a fun baking session, where everyone can participate in mixing, rolling, and decorating. It’s a wonderful way to create lasting memories and traditions that can be passed down through generations.

The laughter, the flour on the countertops, and the shared joy of creating something delicious unify everyone involved. This communal experience brings the holiday spirit to life, emphasizing togetherness and celebration.

The Perfect Sweet Treat for Any Occasion

These festive sugar cookies are not just for holiday gatherings; they can be enjoyed throughout the season. Whether they’re served at a cozy family dinner, a festive party, or given as gifts to friends and neighbors, their charm is undeniable.

Pack them in decorative boxes or arrange them on a platter for a stunning presentation. The cookies are sure to impress and delight anyone who tries them, solidifying their place as a holiday staple.

Making Cookies a Holiday Tradition

The act of baking cookies during the holiday season can quickly become a treasured tradition, bringing together flavors, memories, and loved ones. Each year, families can look forward to creating new recipes or perfecting old favorites, all while enjoying the holiday spirit.

By establishing a cookie-baking ritual, you create an opportunity to share stories, laughter, and delicious treats. This simple act fosters connections that reflect the true essence of the holiday season—a celebration of love, joy, and togetherness.

Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 3 to 4 tablespoons colored sugar for decoration
• Royal icing or fondant for decorating (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder; set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass, and sprinkle with colored sugar.
5. Bake Cookies: Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let cool on wire racks.
6. Decorate: Once cooled, decorate cookies with royal icing or fondant as desired.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories: 150kcal
• Fat: 6g
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 22g